Lahore: Lahore High Court (LHC) while expressing resentment over the matter of tree cutting has directed Advocate General (AG) Punjab to hold meeting with Chief Minister (CM) Punjab and senior minister Punjab on the matter of tree cutting.
The court has remarked there is clear contradiction between government statements and ground realities. If correct and timely action is taken then no one should have courage to cut even a single tree.
Justice Shahid Karim of LHC took up for hearing the petitions related to smog eradication.
AG Punjab Amjid Pervaiz appeared in the court under court's orders during the hearing of the case.
The court inquired why the trees are being cut still. How the trees were cut for development projects in Taxali and Sheeranwala areas .
The court identified one project is underway in Nasir Bagh where the trees were shifted but it came to knowledge later.
The court remarked that development projects should be continued but it should be seen too that climate change is moving ahead at how much fast speed. It takes years for a tree to grow.
The court questioned PHA that how any person cuts tree after taking NOC from PHA. Is forming Padel court in every park job of PHA .
The court further remarked how the PHA can build restaurants in park while government policy is very clear the trees will not be cut.
Justice Shahid Karim remarked whosoever wills cuts trees over night. So much so that trees were cut in Mayo hospital. People don't realize that they can be inquired about it.
AG Punjab took the plea during the hearing of the case that there is lack of coordination between the institutions.
The court remarked there should be clear instructions regarding trees. Not even a single branch of tree should be cut without permission of government.
The court remarked people cannot touch the plants planted in home without permission. We will have to formulate laws like this. The trees are being butchered and this will have to be stopped at every cost.
AG Punjab told the court meeting has been held with concerned authorities on the projects of Taxali and Sheeranwala. No one will go near trees for 45 days in Taxali and 15 days in Sheeranwala.
The court questioned will the trees be cut after it.
AG Punjab replied No . A formal policy will be formed for the shifting of trees.
The court remarked no clear policy is there with reference to cutting of trees. Government has resources to get form effective policy from independent sources. If any tree comes on the way during the project then design will have to be changed because there are problems of roots of old and new trees.
The court while seeking reports from different departments adjourned the hearing of the case further.